NRL: Des Hasler on what makes scintillating Sea Eagle Tom Trbojevic special
Manly coach Des Hasler says the game’s best players share a common theme – and Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic possesses the quality in bucketloads.
NRL
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Manly coach Des Hasler has played and coached with and against rugby league’s finest players, and he believes Sea Eagles star Tom Trbojevic deserves to be on the same stage as the game’s best following his scintillating season.
From Andrew Johns and Cliffy Lyons to Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith, Hasler has received a first-hand look at league’s greatest stars.
And he says there is one common asset that the NRL’s top players all share.
“You look over the history, even the last 20 years and look back on some of the individual players that have come through or players that have captured the imagination,” Hasler said. “And that is the accolade for Tommy. That is what he does.
“But it is the way he goes about it, Tom. If you have ever interviewed him, he carries himself so well and he represents both himself, his family, and his club so well.
“He deserves everything that comes his way – he has had an amazing year.”
In the mantra of “staying under the radar”, Hasler is usually understated in his assessments.
It’s not to cover up or lie, the Sea Eagles mentor purely has his players’ best interests at heart, and he understands the importance of peaking when it matters most.
But, from his vast experience, he knows special when he sees it, and it’s why he happily praises Trbojevic for his near-perfect season.
The Manly mentor also knows the premiership job is just beginning for his side and starts on Friday night with a blockbuster date against reigning champions the Melbourne Storm.
As good as Trbojevic has been for the Sea Eagles this season, Hasler is quick to dismiss any questions that “Turbo” is ready to dominate the 2021 finals.
“I think you’ve got to be careful – Tom is still on his journey,” he said about Trbojevic, who has scored a whopping 25 tries in just 15 games in 2021, including five hat-tricks.
“He is really excited about playing in the semi-final football. He has been playing good football year, so he can build on it.”
Hasler’s wary approach is justified when you consider Manly hasn’t beaten a top four team all season.
The Sea Eagles pushed Melbourne back in round 21 before going on to lose 28-18.
Hasler is anticipating another intense affair when Manly takes on the Storm on Friday.
“I think the one accolade that any club side like Melbourne can receive is that they make you play well to beat them,” he said.
“That is a real feather in their cap and that is both in attack and defence.
“Melbourne are a side that will make you grind for it a little bit more that is for sure.
“They have some great attacking players in their own right, so they really bring out the best in you that is for sure.”
Originally published as NRL: Des Hasler on what makes scintillating Sea Eagle Tom Trbojevic special
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